Best friends can last a lifetime. Your dog often becomes a loyal pal who stands by you, come rain or shine. Caring for your pet is essential to building a solid bond, regardless of whether they are a puppy or a senior. As they age gracefully, you should make extra time for your dog while they are still with you.
Are you worried about your canine pet’s age and how to handle it? Follow these best practices for caring for an aging pet. You will be able to provide a better quality of life for your dog and enjoy their company for many days.
Let’s learn how to look after an old dog.
Healthy Diet
You want your dog healthy for its entire life, but with aging comes a need for a diet suited to them. Because your dog won’t have the same activity level and energy, you shouldn’t feed it as much as when it was younger.
Specific types of food are designed for older dogs, preventing weight gain and giving them all the nutrients they need. Some products, like Orijen dog food, are tailored to a senior dog’s diet.
Make sure it has:
- High-quality animal protein
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats
- Probiotics
- Joint supplements
Finally, ensure they are not competing for food with other dogs and monitor how much they eat and drink. Let your vet know if there are any significant changes.
Regular Exercise
You want your dog to maintain a healthy weight, so keeping it active is the key. Even though older dogs are no longer chasing balls and catching frisbees, they can still enjoy regular walking to improve their overall health.
If they aren’t used to the movement, take it easy, and then increase your walks as they gain more stamina. You can even jog with them if they can do so. Swimming is also an excellent way for older dogs to exercise without extra strain on sore joints. If you have a pool or lake nearby, take them out and have fun.
Oral Health
As dogs age, they often miss out on essential dental care, which can lead to lost teeth. If you haven’t started yet, begin a daily routine of brushing your dog’s teeth as part of their regular grooming.
You can also offer them dental chews that help clean their teeth, soothe their gums, and lessen the buildup of plaque and tartar. This helps in preventing gum problems and tooth loss. Plus, remember to schedule a professional dental cleaning with the vet once every year.
Accessibility
Your dog may not be able to jump up like when it was younger, so keep everything it needs within reach. You don’t want your pet to travel too far for food and water, so have the supplies near their bed. The same applies to toys they like to play with.
Regarding their sleeping arrangements, a dog that once jumped onto the bed may be unable to do so anymore. Provide a comfortable bed on the floor that dogs don’t need to jump on or climb on. A non-slip carpet or pad can also be helpful when they get around, as it gives them something to grip.
For getting in and out of the house when walking your dog or taking them to the potty, consider installing a pet ramp for them. This will make it easier for them and lessen joint pain.
Vet Visits
Your once strong and vibrant dog is aging and may not be able to fight off illnesses like they used to. They also develop aging problems, so you don’t want them to remain undetected or worsen.
Taking your dog to the vet regularly allows them to make sure everything is fine. They will provide the best treatment options if they find something wrong. They will also do blood work to check their white and red blood count and kidney and liver function.
By taking these supplements and a healthy diet, your dog will stay healthy as they age. Your vet may recommend these supplements:
- Fish oil
- Probiotic
- Glucosamine
